Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Manuel, AZ (Mar 2023)
- San Manuel Solar Installation Cost: $9,409
- 25-Year Savings: $26,033
- Payback Period: 6.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Manuel
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in San Manuel.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in San Manuel generally cost about 2.61. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in San Manuel, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,409, or $13,455 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with. With average savings of about $26,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in San Manuel find investing in solar can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in San Manuel, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in San Manuel
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,991 |
| 3 years | $-5,156 |
| 5 years | $-2,321 |
| 7 years | $515 |
| 9 years | $3,350 |
| 11 years | $6,185 |
| 13 years | $9,021 |
| 15 years | $11,856 |
| 17 years | $14,692 |
| 19 years | $17,527 |
| 21 years | $20,362 |
| 23 years | $23,198 |
| 25 years | $26,033 |
Top Solar Installers in San Manuel
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in San Manuel
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Manuel
For many San Manuel homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in San Manuel, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in San Manuel, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. San Manuel's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.71 | $11,400 | $29,873 | 6.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $40,123 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $50,519 | 6.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $61,061 | 6.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $71,750 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $82,584 | 6.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $93,565 | 6.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $104,692 | 6.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's San Manuel, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in San Manuel?
The average cost of solar panels in San Manuel is about $13,050 for a 5-kW system and $26,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does San Manuel have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in San Manuel?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.